Oklahoma Lawmakers Firm On Horse Slaughter Stance Despite 'Harassment'

Several Oklahoma legislators and officials say they will not be intimidated or swayed by criticism of a proposal to allow the commercial slaughter of horses within the state, even as members of Congress mull reinstating a federal slaughter ban.

03/02/2013 Related Story: Oklahomans Discuss Lifting Ban On Horse Slaughter

03/04/2013 Related Story: Horse Advocates Rally Against Horse Slaughtering Plan In Oklahoma

Rep. Skye McNiel of Bristow joined House Speaker T. W. Shannon and members of the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and other agriculture groups Wednesday to reiterate their stance in the face of what they call "harassment" from animal rights activists.

McNiel says her bill would provide a humane, economical option to farmers and ranchers with old or unwanted animals. The Humane Society of the United States and other groups counter there are better ways to deal with those animals.

While Oklahoma currently bans the slaughter, federal law has allowed it since 2011.

Forty-six other states currently allow horse slaughter. Only Oklahoma, Texas, Illinois and California still ban the practice.

House Bill 1999: http://bit.ly/VwMkLx

House Bill 1359: http://bit.ly/YNjLGA